Survival International

I've only recently come across this organisation. 'The movement for tribal peoples' - it's a very complicated issue which I have tried to get to grips with other the past year in my Anthropology of Development course; the crux of the course was development isn't all it is cracked up to be.

There is a tendency for charitable organisations or NGOs to flood these 'third world countries' with their Western concepts of development, indeed, the term in itself hints at some evolutionary ideas which as an anthropologist I am wary about. So Survival International have taken practical steps to warn the global population about the hazards of development, relocation etc

'Our vision is for a world where tribal peoples are recognized and respected; an end to the unjust treatment tribal peoples are subjected to; and a world where tribal peoples are free to live on their own lands, safe from violence, oppression and exploitation.'

This, undeniably is a necessary step towards indigenous rights, but something about the organisation leaves me uncomfortable. They out rightly criticise the unfortunate consequences of resettlement and development, without showing any concern for the potential long term benefits. For example, in massive, bold, underlined writing, they warn of the social disasters of HIV, AIDS, SUICIDE, ADDICTION... and... OBESITY?

Nevertheless, I do feel that their stark opinionated articles and pleas for help are an efficient means of gaining attention to their cause, ultimately what is on the website is a stream of selected PR lingo to get the money coming in, and the letters sent to the government.

Anyway, check them out, as they are doing something pretty unique and interesting.

http://www.survivalinternational.org